On November 26 2020, an astronaut captured this photo of the northwest coastline of Saudi Arabia, home to 260 coral reef species. The image shows the Red Sea on the right, a lagoon in the middle and the coral reef on the left side. All photos courtesy of Earth Observatory at Nasa
On November 26 2020, an astronaut captured this photo of the northwest coastline of Saudi Arabia, home to 260 coral reef species. The image shows the Red Sea on the right, a lagoon in the middle and the coral reef on the left side. All photos courtesy of Earth Observatory at Nasa
UAE’s first astronaut in space, Hazza Al Mansouri, captured this photo of the Emirates during his eight-day trip on the International Space Station. Courtesy: Hazza Al Mansouri Twitter
UAE’s first astronaut in space, Hazza Al Mansouri, captured this photo of the Emirates during his eight-day trip on the International Space Station. Courtesy: Hazza Al Mansouri Twitter
Kuwait photographed from space during the night. The Arabian Gulf is on the top right side and the Kuwait Bay is on the left.
Kuwait photographed from space during the night. The Arabian Gulf is on the top right side and the Kuwait Bay is on the left.
Thunderclouds march past the Al Qassim region of central Saudi Arabia on April 13, 2016. Nasa reported the storm clouds were likely related to the heavy rainfall and flooding in Yemen during that time.
Thunderclouds march past the Al Qassim region of central Saudi Arabia on April 13, 2016. Nasa reported the storm clouds were likely related to the heavy rainfall and flooding in Yemen during that time.
An astronaut captured a photograph of the port city in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2017.
An astronaut captured a photograph of the port city in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2017.
The Arabian Gulf photographed from the space station
The Arabian Gulf photographed from the space station
A dusty atmosphere over central Saudi Arabia in 2014. The dunes in Riyadh are visible from space
A dusty atmosphere over central Saudi Arabia in 2014. The dunes in Riyadh are visible from space
Nasa astronaut Scott Kelly captured an image of Dubai’s lights during the night. Courtesy: Scott Kelly Twitter
Nasa astronaut Scott Kelly captured an image of Dubai’s lights during the night. Courtesy: Scott Kelly Twitter
A dust plume surging over the Red Sea and reaching Saudi Arabia in 2013. The Nile River is visible on the top left side of the image.
A dust plume surging over the Red Sea and reaching Saudi Arabia in 2013. The Nile River is visible on the top left side of the image.
Turkish city of Istanbul at night
Turkish city of Istanbul at night
The Pearl-Qatar, a man-made island in Doha, is visible from space. An astronaut captured this photograph in 2017
The Pearl-Qatar, a man-made island in Doha, is visible from space. An astronaut captured this photograph in 2017
The city of Madinah in Saudi Arabia
The city of Madinah in Saudi Arabia
The Levant region captured from space
The Levant region captured from space
Es Safa, a basaltic volcanic field in southeast of Damascus, Syria, photographed from space in 2010. It is the largest volcanic field on the Arabian tectonic plate.
Es Safa, a basaltic volcanic field in southeast of Damascus, Syria, photographed from space in 2010. It is the largest volcanic field on the Arabian tectonic plate.
Port of Aden in Yemen
Port of Aden in Yemen
The Strait of Tiran, which separates the Gulf of Aqaba from the Red Sea, captured from space in 2013
The Strait of Tiran, which separates the Gulf of Aqaba from the Red Sea, captured from space in 2013
The southeastern margin of the Empty Quarter, also known as the Ar Rub’ al Khali, in Oman. An astronaut took this photo in 2011
The southeastern margin of the Empty Quarter, also known as the Ar Rub’ al Khali, in Oman. An astronaut took this photo in 2011
Lake Dukan, shaped almost like a Christmas tree, in Iraq photographed from space in 2018.
Lake Dukan, shaped almost like a Christmas tree, in Iraq photographed from space in 2018.
A dust storm over the Arabian gulf in August, 2008
A dust storm over the Arabian gulf in August, 2008
Damascus, Syria, photographed from space in 2013
Damascus, Syria, photographed from space in 2013

Science

Twenty stunning images of the Middle East captured from space

Astronauts have sent back incredible pictures of the region for many years

Sarwat Nasir
Sarwat Nasir
UAE

May 25, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

From dramatic dunes and eye-catching lakes to coral reefs and huge dust storms, astronauts in space have been capturing the wonders of the Middle East for many years.

The Earth Observatory by Nasa has hundreds of images on its website taken from the International Space Station.

The UAE's first astronaut, Hazza Al Mansouri, also tweeted a selection of striking photos of his homeland and other countries in the region during his time in space.

Other spectacular snapshots show thunder clouds over Saudi Arabia, volcanic fields in Syria and dust storms sweeping across the Arabian Gulf.

The National has highlighted 20 picture-perfect scenes of the Middle East captured from space over the years.

“From their orbiting home on the International Space Station, astronauts have a view unlike anything most of us will ever see,” Nasa’s Earth Observatory said.

“In the past 20 years, they have shot millions of photographs, and it is not just a hobby. It is an important scientific job, and one they need to be trained to do.

“So, the astronauts and the Earth Science and Remote Sensing team work together before, during and after every mission to get the most out of every shot.”

Images captured by UAE satellite KhalifaSat - in pictures 

UAE satellite KhalifaSat captures a stunning image of Sharjah's largest mosque. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
UAE satellite KhalifaSat captures a stunning image of Sharjah's largest mosque. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
KhalifaSat captures Jebel Jais from space. Courtesy MBR Space Centre
KhalifaSat captures Jebel Jais from space. Courtesy MBR Space Centre
A photo of Love Lake in Dubai taken by UAE-made satellite KhalifaSat. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
A photo of Love Lake in Dubai taken by UAE-made satellite KhalifaSat. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
An image of the Grand Mosque of Makkah was taken by KhalifaSat on the first day of Eid Al Adha during the 2019 Hajj pilgrimage. Wam
An image of the Grand Mosque of Makkah was taken by KhalifaSat on the first day of Eid Al Adha during the 2019 Hajj pilgrimage. Wam
Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome in 2019. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office
Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome in 2019. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office
An aerial image of Palm Jumeirah, taken from space by KhalifaSat in 2018. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office
An aerial image of Palm Jumeirah, taken from space by KhalifaSat in 2018. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office
An image from UAE's KhalifaSat, 600km in orbit, shows Beirut port after a blast levelled the entire district in August 2020. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
An image from UAE's KhalifaSat, 600km in orbit, shows Beirut port after a blast levelled the entire district in August 2020. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, US in October 2019. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, US in October 2019. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
Denpasar, the capital city of Bali in Indonesia, pictured by KhalifaSat in 2019. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
Denpasar, the capital city of Bali in Indonesia, pictured by KhalifaSat in 2019. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
The port city of Wonsan in North Korea. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
The port city of Wonsan in North Korea. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
A quiet Dubai International Airport during the coronavirus pandemic in April 2020. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
A quiet Dubai International Airport during the coronavirus pandemic in April 2020. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
Milan in Italy pictured from space by KhalifaSat. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
Milan in Italy pictured from space by KhalifaSat. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
Abu Dhabi's distinctive coastline. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
Abu Dhabi's distinctive coastline. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
Dubai's recognisable coastline is pictured in 2020. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
Dubai's recognisable coastline is pictured in 2020. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
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Rating: 1 out of 4

Running time: 81 minutes

Director: David Blue Garcia

Starring: Sarah Yarkin, Elsie Fisher, Mark Burnham

Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
MATCH INFO

Liverpool 2 (Van Dijk 18', 24')

Brighton 1 (Dunk 79')

Red card: Alisson (Liverpool)

COPA DEL REY

Semi-final, first leg

Barcelona 1 (Malcom 57')
Real Madrid (Vazquez 6')

Second leg, February 27

Scotland v Ireland:

Scotland (15-1): Stuart Hogg; Tommy Seymour, Huw Jones, Sam Johnson, Sean Maitland; Finn Russell, Greig Laidlaw (capt); Josh Strauss, James Ritchie, Ryan Wilson; Jonny Gray, Grant Gilchrist; Simon Berghan, Stuart McInally, Allan Dell

Replacements: Fraser Brown, Jamie Bhatti, D'arcy Rae, Ben Toolis, Rob Harley, Ali Price, Pete Horne, Blair Kinghorn

Coach: Gregor Townsend (SCO)

Ireland (15-1): Rob Kearney; Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Jonathan Sexton, Conor Murray; Jack Conan, Sean O'Brien, Peter O'Mahony; James Ryan, Quinn Roux; Tadhg Furlong, Rory Best (capt), Cian Healy

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Dave Kilcoyne, Andrew Porter, Ultan Dillane, Josh van der Flier, John Cooney, Joey Carbery, Jordan Larmour

Coach: Joe Schmidt (NZL)

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GAC GS8 Specs

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Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Revibe%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hamza%20Iraqui%20and%20Abdessamad%20Ben%20Zakour%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Refurbished%20electronics%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%20so%20far%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2410m%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFlat6Labs%2C%20Resonance%20and%20various%20others%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Global Fungi Facts

• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil

The details

Colette

Director: Wash Westmoreland

Starring: Keira Knightley, Dominic West

Our take: 3/5

Afghanistan fixtures
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  • v New Zealand, Saturday,
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  • v England, June 18
  • v India, June 22
  • v Bangladesh, June 24
  • v Pakistan, June 29
  • v West Indies, July 4
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
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Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km

Result

Tottenhan Hotspur 2 Roma 3
Tottenham: Winks 87', Janssen 90 1'

Roma 3
D Perotti 13' (pen), C Under 70', M Tumminello 90 2"

 

WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDecember%202014%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%20Former%20UK%20chancellor%20of%20the%20Exchequer%20George%20Osborne%20reforms%20stamp%20duty%20land%20tax%20(SDLT)%2C%20replacing%20the%20slab%20system%20with%20a%20blended%20rate%20scheme%2C%20with%20the%20top%20rate%20increasing%20to%2012%20per%20cent%20from%2010%20per%20cent%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EUp%20to%20%C2%A3125%2C000%20%E2%80%93%200%25%3B%20%C2%A3125%2C000%20to%20%C2%A3250%2C000%20%E2%80%93%202%25%3B%20%C2%A3250%2C000%20to%20%C2%A3925%2C000%20%E2%80%93%205%25%3B%20%C2%A3925%2C000%20to%20%C2%A31.5m%3A%2010%25%3B%20More%20than%20%C2%A31.5m%20%E2%80%93%2012%25%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EApril%202016%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20New%203%25%20surcharge%20applied%20to%20any%20buy-to-let%20properties%20or%20additional%20homes%20purchased.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EJuly%202020%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Chancellor%20Rishi%20Sunak%20unveils%20SDLT%20holiday%2C%20with%20no%20tax%20to%20pay%20on%20the%20first%20%C2%A3500%2C000%2C%20with%20buyers%20saving%20up%20to%20%C2%A315%2C000.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMarch%202021%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Mr%20Sunak%20extends%20the%20SDLT%20holiday%20at%20his%20March%203%20budget%20until%20the%20end%20of%20June.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EApril%202021%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%25%20SDLT%20surcharge%20added%20to%20property%20transactions%20made%20by%20overseas%20buyers.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EJune%202021%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20SDLT%20holiday%20on%20transactions%20up%20to%20%C2%A3500%2C000%20expires%20on%20June%2030.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EJuly%202021%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Tax%20break%20on%20transactions%20between%20%C2%A3125%2C000%20to%20%C2%A3250%2C000%20starts%20on%20July%201%20and%20runs%20until%20September%2030.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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